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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

creamy marry me chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy chicken pasta with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for cozy dinners and weeknight meals. This dish combines tender chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes for a comforting yet elegant meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), sliced thinly or cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained but keep some oil for cooking)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml), homemade or low-sodium store-bought
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml) or half-and-half as a lighter option
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 ounces (225 g) fettuccine or penne pasta (gluten-free pasta works too)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • A handful of fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook 1-2 minutes to release flavor.
  4. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated Parmesan, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
  5. Slice cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and return to skillet with sauce. Add drained pasta and toss to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped basil or parsley on top.
  7. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy. Stir sauce gently after adding cream to prevent curdling. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use fresh garlic and good-quality Parmesan for best flavor. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese. Gluten-free pasta can be used to make the dish gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, marry me chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, easy dinner, weeknight meal, creamy sauce, fettuccine, penne, comfort food